Police, community and calendar briefs for April 20, 2013

Published: Friday, April 19, 2013 at 10:00 p.m.

Last Modified: Friday, April 19, 2013 at 6:29 p.m.

POLICE BEAT

Man a suspect in 2 sex assault cases

A 36-year-old man arrested Thursday by an Ocala police detective for sexual battery on a child younger than 12 was arrested again on Friday by a Marion County Sheriff’s Office detective for another sexual offense on a different victim.

Ocala police said the victim in the first case, now a teenager, told an official at the Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection that when she was about 4 or 5 she was molested by Mark L. Franklin. In a Facebook chat with Franklin, she asked him about the incident and he told her he prayed for forgiveness and was no longer a monster and was now a better person, according to reports.

On Thursday, Officer Joe Kelly saw Franklin at a park in northwest Ocala and took him to the police department for questioning. Franklin told Fernandez about the Facebook posting but denied molesting the girl. Franklin was arrested and was taken to the Marion County Jail.

On Friday, MCSO Detective Bobby Levay charged Franklin with two counts of sexual battery stemming from a 2005 case in which Franklin allegedly molested a girl several times from when she was about 2 or 3 until she was in seventh grade. Levay said Franklin was about 14 or 15 at the time of the first reported incidents and that when the victim was in the seventh grade, he was about 26.

Franklin denied the allegations.

Synthetic marijuana found at BP gas station

A sheriff’s deputy on Thursday confiscated hundreds of packages of K2 spice — an illegal form of synthetic marijuana — from a convenience store.

Deputy Christopher Ellis went to the BP gas station at 11960 S. U.S. 301 after receiving information the product was being sold there. He confiscated 1,354 packages of K2.

The store owner signed a warning document acknowledging that selling and possessing the product is illegal. If store workers are caught selling the product again, they will be arrested.

Two shotguns stolen from home recovered

Two shotguns stolen from a residence were recovered by sheriff’s detectives, who arrested four teens in connection with the burglary.

The four boys, ages 15 to 18, were each charged with armed residential burglary and grand theft.

Detectives Stephen Osborne and Brandon Spillman were told the teens went to the home in Silver Springs Shores and one of them threw a brick through a back bedroom window. They left, but returned a short time later and two of them entered the home and stole a Remington shotgun and a Springfield shotgun, which they hid in some woods.

The theft was reported to the Sheriff’s Office and, during an investigation, the detectives learned about two of the suspects, who led them to the other two.

The weapons were found in a wooded area after one of the suspects took detectives to the area.

Man arrested on child pornography charges

Sheriff’s detectives on Friday arrested a 22-year-old man on 20 counts of possession of child pornography.

Detective C.J. Whiteside noted in his report that he was investigating child pornography cases when he detected someone had obtained several files of obscene materials. Whiteside got a search warrant for a residence in Reddick and found at two computers on which were multiple videos depicting children involved in various sexual activities.

The owner of the residence told Whiteside that Jose A. Torres Ocho uses the desktop computer and laptop.

Torres Ocho admitted to Whiteside that he downloaded and watched child pornography on the two computers, according to reports. He was arrested and taken to the Marion County Jail.

Tips help lead to arrest of suspect in store theft

Thanks to tips from the public, Ocala police identified the woman suspected of stealing a television and trying to steal another from the Walmart at 4980 E. Silver Springs Blvd. on Sunday and obtained a warrant for her arrest.

The tips came in after OPD released surveillance images.

Krystal Duarte, 24, turned herself in Friday afternoon.

Duarte is charged with one count of retail grand theft and one count of resisting a merchant.

According to OPD, she stole a 46-inch Sony TV at about 1:35 p.m. Sunday and returned later in the day, dressed in different clothes, and tried to steal a 50-inch Samsung TV. When a loss prevention official confronted her, she resisted and physically attacked him, according to OPD. She then fled the store.

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office will collect outdated and unwanted prescription medications from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 27 at the Southwest District Office, 9048 SW State Road 200, Ocala.

For more information, call 402-6060 or visit www.marionso.com/main.php.

Habitat of Marion seeks volunteers

Habitat for Humanity is permitting a new home for the Soto family in the Rainbow Park neighborhood, with the wall raising scheduled in early May. Skilled and unskilled volunteers are needed to help with construction.

Volunteer shifts are from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

For more information, call Brittney Fish at 351-4663, emial bfish@habitatocala.org or visit www.habitatocala.org.

Swimming safety initiative launched

In 2012, Marion County had five drowning fatalities and responded to 24 water safety emergencies involving near-drownings. Marion County and the city of Ocala have teamed up to present the “Prepare, Protect, Prevent” water safety campaign.

During five free demonstrations at pools throughout the county, Infant Swimming Resource instructor Nicole Meade will give parents and guardians water safety tips and Ocala Fire Rescue firefighter/paramedic Jesse Blairski will teach participants to perform hands-only CPR. Those who attend the half-hour demonstrations won’t get wet and can enter a drawing to win a children’s swimming lesson package.

For more information, call the county at 438-2300 or the city at 629-2489.

STATE

Florida to sue BP for damages from oil spill

TALLAHASSEE — Attorney General Pam Bondi said she will file a lawsuit against oil company BP over the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on the three-year anniversary of the tragedy that killed 11 rig workers in the Gulf of Mexico and fouled 1,100 miles of beaches and marsh along the coast of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida.

Bondi said in a news release that she will file the federal suit Saturday in the Panama City division of the Northern District of Florida.

The lawsuit focuses on the economic losses suffered by the State of Florida. Bondi contends that Florida is entitled to revenues it lost due to the spill, including sales taxes, cigarette surcharges, beer taxes, among other things.

Florida is also seeking punitive damages under maritime and state common law.

— The Associated Press

Man killed in crash on Keys bridge identified

KEY WEST — Authorities have identified a 79-year-old Michigan man as the victim of a fiery crash on a Florida Keys bridge.

The Key West Citizen reports that Floyd Devos of Grand Rapids, Mich., was pronounced dead at the scene Wednesday night on the Seven Mile bridge.

The Florida Highway Patrol reports that the car Devos was driving south over the bridge was struck by a car that Xavier Ycaza, of Golden Beach, was driving north.

Toxicology tests are pending.

— The Associated Press

Students accused of vandalizing Pasco High

DADE CITY — Authorities said two students did about $7,000 worth of vandalism at Pasco High School.

The 18-year-old students were arrested Thursday. They’re both charged with felony criminal mischief, burglary and trespassing. The students were taken to the Land O’Lakes jail.

The Tampa Bay Times reports teachers and students found spray paint on walls and a walkway at the high school. They also found toothpicks glued into the locks of classroom doors.

<p class="bold allcaps">POLICE BEAT</p>
<p><b>Man a suspect in 2 sex assault cases</b></p><p>A 36-year-old man arrested Thursday by an Ocala police detective for sexual battery on a child younger than 12 was arrested again on Friday by a Marion County Sheriff's Office detective for another sexual offense on a different victim.</p><p>Ocala police said the victim in the first case, now a teenager, told an official at the Kimberly's Center for Child Protection that when she was about 4 or 5 she was molested by Mark L. Franklin. In a Facebook chat with Franklin, she asked him about the incident and he told her he prayed for forgiveness and was no longer a monster and was now a better person, according to reports.</p><p>Detective Jorge Fernandez developed probable cause for Franklin's arrest.</p><p>On Thursday, Officer Joe Kelly saw Franklin at a park in northwest Ocala and took him to the police department for questioning. Franklin told Fernandez about the Facebook posting but denied molesting the girl. Franklin was arrested and was taken to the Marion County Jail.</p><p>On Friday, MCSO Detective Bobby Levay charged Franklin with two counts of sexual battery stemming from a 2005 case in which Franklin allegedly molested a girl several times from when she was about 2 or 3 until she was in seventh grade. Levay said Franklin was about 14 or 15 at the time of the first reported incidents and that when the victim was in the seventh grade, he was about 26.</p><p>Franklin denied the allegations.</p><p><b>Synthetic marijuana found at BP gas station</b></p><p>A sheriff's deputy on Thursday confiscated hundreds of packages of K2 spice — an illegal form of synthetic marijuana — from a convenience store.</p><p>Deputy Christopher Ellis went to the BP gas station at 11960 S. U.S. 301 after receiving information the product was being sold there. He confiscated 1,354 packages of K2.</p><p>The store owner signed a warning document acknowledging that selling and possessing the product is illegal. If store workers are caught selling the product again, they will be arrested.</p><p><b>Two shotguns stolen from home recovered</b></p><p>Two shotguns stolen from a residence were recovered by sheriff's detectives, who arrested four teens in connection with the burglary.</p><p>The four boys, ages 15 to 18, were each charged with armed residential burglary and grand theft.</p><p>Detectives Stephen Osborne and Brandon Spillman were told the teens went to the home in Silver Springs Shores and one of them threw a brick through a back bedroom window. They left, but returned a short time later and two of them entered the home and stole a Remington shotgun and a Springfield shotgun, which they hid in some woods.</p><p>The theft was reported to the Sheriff's Office and, during an investigation, the detectives learned about two of the suspects, who led them to the other two.</p><p>The weapons were found in a wooded area after one of the suspects took detectives to the area.</p><p><b>Man arrested on child pornography charges</b></p><p>Sheriff's detectives on Friday arrested a 22-year-old man on 20 counts of possession of child pornography.</p><p>Detective C.J. Whiteside noted in his report that he was investigating child pornography cases when he detected someone had obtained several files of obscene materials. Whiteside got a search warrant for a residence in Reddick and found at two computers on which were multiple videos depicting children involved in various sexual activities.</p><p>The owner of the residence told Whiteside that Jose A. Torres Ocho uses the desktop computer and laptop.</p><p>Torres Ocho admitted to Whiteside that he downloaded and watched child pornography on the two computers, according to reports. He was arrested and taken to the Marion County Jail.</p><p><b>Tips help lead to arrest of suspect in store theft</b></p><p>Thanks to tips from the public, Ocala police identified the woman suspected of stealing a television and trying to steal another from the Walmart at 4980 E. Silver Springs Blvd. on Sunday and obtained a warrant for her arrest.</p><p>The tips came in after OPD released surveillance images.</p><p>Krystal Duarte, 24, turned herself in Friday afternoon.</p><p>Duarte is charged with one count of retail grand theft and one count of resisting a merchant.</p><p>According to OPD, she stole a 46-inch Sony TV at about 1:35 p.m. Sunday and returned later in the day, dressed in different clothes, and tried to steal a 50-inch Samsung TV. When a loss prevention official confronted her, she resisted and physically attacked him, according to OPD. She then fled the store.</p><h3>COMMUNITY</h3>
<p><b>Crime Victims' Rights Week events</b></p><p>A week of activities planned to mark Ocala/Marion County Crime Victims' Rights Week includes:</p><p>Monday, 11 a.m. to noon- Opening ceremony on the downtown square, Ocala</p><p>Tuesday, 5:30-8 p.m.- Safety workshop on personal and home safety at the Marion County Sheriff's Office, 692 NW 30th Ave. Ocala</p><p>Wednesday,3-5 p.m.- Domestic/dating violence workshop at the Ocala Police Department, 402 S Pine Ave., Ocala</p><p>Thursday, noon- State Attorney's Office homicide victims remembrance ceremony at the Marion County Courthouse Jury Room, 110 NW First Ave., Ocala</p><p>Thursday, 3-5 p.m.- “It takes courage” domestic violence awareness initiative, with door hangers placed throughout the community</p><p>For more information, call 369-7139 or 369-7134.</p><p><b>Turn in outdated medicine April 27</b></p><p>The Marion County Sheriff's Office will collect outdated and unwanted prescription medications from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 27 at the Southwest District Office, 9048 SW State Road 200, Ocala.</p><p>For more information, call 402-6060 or visit www.marionso.com/main.php.</p><p><b>Habitat of Marion seeks volunteers</b></p><p>Habitat for Humanity is permitting a new home for the Soto family in the Rainbow Park neighborhood, with the wall raising scheduled in early May. Skilled and unskilled volunteers are needed to help with construction.</p><p>Volunteer shifts are from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.</p><p>For more information, call Brittney Fish at 351-4663, emial bfish@habitatocala.org or visit www.habitatocala.org.</p><p><b>Swimming safety initiative launched</b></p><p>In 2012, Marion County had five drowning fatalities and responded to 24 water safety emergencies involving near-drownings. Marion County and the city of Ocala have teamed up to present the “Prepare, Protect, Prevent” water safety campaign.</p><p>During five free demonstrations at pools throughout the county, Infant Swimming Resource instructor Nicole Meade will give parents and guardians water safety tips and Ocala Fire Rescue firefighter/paramedic Jesse Blairski will teach participants to perform hands-only CPR. Those who attend the half-hour demonstrations won't get wet and can enter a drawing to win a children's swimming lesson package.</p><p>The schedule is:</p><p>May 1 – 11 a.m., Jervey Gantt Aquatic Center, 2390 SE 36th Ave., Ocala.</p><p>May 8 – 3:30 p.m., Hampton Aquatic Center, 255 NW Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Ocala.</p><p>May 13 – 9:15 a.m., Marion County YMCA, 3200 SE 17th St., Ocala.</p><p>May 21 – 5:30 p.m., Silver Springs Shores Community Center Pool, 590 Silver Road, Ocala.</p><p>May 31 – 5:30 p.m., Rainbow Springs Golf and Country Club, 19330 SW 83rd Place Road, Dunnellon.</p><p>For more information, call the county at 438-2300 or the city at 629-2489.</p><h3>STATE</h3>
<p><b>Florida to sue BP for damages from oil spill</b></p><p>TALLAHASSEE — Attorney General Pam Bondi said she will file a lawsuit against oil company BP over the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on the three-year anniversary of the tragedy that killed 11 rig workers in the Gulf of Mexico and fouled 1,100 miles of beaches and marsh along the coast of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida.</p><p>Bondi said in a news release that she will file the federal suit Saturday in the Panama City division of the Northern District of Florida.</p><p>The lawsuit focuses on the economic losses suffered by the State of Florida. Bondi contends that Florida is entitled to revenues it lost due to the spill, including sales taxes, cigarette surcharges, beer taxes, among other things.</p><p>Florida is also seeking punitive damages under maritime and state common law.</p><p><i>— The Associated Press</i></p><p><b>Man killed in crash on Keys bridge identified</b></p><p>KEY WEST — Authorities have identified a 79-year-old Michigan man as the victim of a fiery crash on a Florida Keys bridge.</p><p>The Key West Citizen reports that Floyd Devos of Grand Rapids, Mich., was pronounced dead at the scene Wednesday night on the Seven Mile bridge.</p><p>The Florida Highway Patrol reports that the car Devos was driving south over the bridge was struck by a car that Xavier Ycaza, of Golden Beach, was driving north.</p><p>Toxicology tests are pending.</p><p><i>— The Associated Press</i></p><p><b>Students accused of vandalizing Pasco High</b></p><p>DADE CITY — Authorities said two students did about $7,000 worth of vandalism at Pasco High School.</p><p>The 18-year-old students were arrested Thursday. They're both charged with felony criminal mischief, burglary and trespassing. The students were taken to the Land O'Lakes jail.</p><p>The Tampa Bay Times reports teachers and students found spray paint on walls and a walkway at the high school. They also found toothpicks glued into the locks of classroom doors.</p><p><i>— The Associated Press</i></p><h3>CALENDAR</h3>
<p><b>TODAY</b></p><p>HELPING HANDS 5K: One-mile walk and kid's run fun, 8 a.m. Baseline Road Trailhead, 4225 SE 58th Ave., Ocala. Guest runners, greeters, entertainment and more. (732-4464 or www.helpinghandsocala.org)</p><p> </p><p>ART IN THE PARK: Spring sidewalk chalk festival, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Tuscawilla Park, NE Sanchez Ave., Ocala. $12 per square; free to attend. (615-3056)</p><p> </p><p>SPRING FLING: Silver Springs Shores Resident's Association, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, 590 Silver Road, Ocala. Music, vendors, art and more. (240-753-5369)</p><p> </p><p>BUTTERFLY RELEASE: Fourth annual butterfly and balloon release picnic, 3 p.m. Saturday, Erwin's Farm, 10725 SE 36th Ave., Belleview, to honor deceased children. (245-4798 or 369-6665)</p><p> </p><p>FRANKIE VALLI TRIBUTE: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Orange Blossom Opry, 13939 SE State Road 42, Weirsdale. (821-1201 or www.obopry.com)</p><p> </p><p>PATRIOT SINGERS: College of Central Florida Patriot Singers “A Celebration of Song,” 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala. Free. (873-5810 or www.cf.edu)</p><p> </p><p>DANCE FESTIVAL: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Ocala Civic Theatre, 4337 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala. $5-$10. (236-2274 or ocalacivictheatre.com)</p><p> </p><p>MOTHER GOOSE: Mother Goose on the Loose, 10:15 a.m. Saturday, Marion County Public Library, 2720 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala. (671-8551)</p><p> </p><p>CONSTRUCTION ZONE: For kids, 2 p.m. Saturday, Belleview Public Library, 13145 SE County Road 484, Belleview. (438-2500)</p><p> </p><p>JAGUARS: 26th annual Jaguar Club of Florida Concours, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, The Waterfront Inn, 1105 Lake Shore Drive, The Villages. Free admission. (751-6760 or stevesc3@gmail.com)</p><p> </p><p>MUSIC FESTIVAL: Americana Music Festival featuring Backwater, Scott and Michelle Dalziel, and Nathan Whitt. benefiting the Boys & Girls Club of Marion County, 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Swampy's Grub and Pub, 20049 E. Pennsylvania Ave., Ocala. $7 for barbcue dinner. (690-7519)</p><p> </p><p>SINGLES DANCE: Ocala Singles Club, 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Ocala Scottish Rite, 3632 NE Seventh St., Ocala. $9; refreshments provided. (622-3171)</p><p> </p><p>CLYDESDALES: Express Clydesdales team, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, former Ocala-Marion County Chamber of Commerce site opposite the downtown square. (867-8055)</p><p> </p><p><b>SATURDAY AND SUNDAY</b></p><p>CINDERELLA TEA PARTY: For ages 3 to second grade, with Marion Ballet Theatre, 12:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Ocala Civic Theatre, 4337 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala. $7.50 per person. (236-2274 or ocalacivictheatre.com)</p><p> </p><p>PLEASURE DAYS: Pleasure Days including turnout, working and reinsmanship, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Florida Horse Park, 11008 S. County Road 475, Ocala. (flhorsepark.com)</p><p> </p><p>REMOTE CONTROL PLANES: Ocala Flying Model Club Spring Fling, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Ocala Flying Model Club field, 1020 SE 110th St., Ocala. $2 per person or $5 per car load. (www.ocalaflyingmodelclub.com)</p><p> </p><p>FLOWER SHOW: Pascua Florida flower show celebrating Viva Florida 500, 1:30 to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Pioneer Garden Club, 4331 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala. Free. (237-9509)</p><p> </p><p>BOOMTOWN DAYS: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dunnellon's Historic District, music, vendors and more. (489-2320 or dunnellonchambercommerce@gmail.com)</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p><i>To submit information for this list, send an e-mail to calendar@starbanner.com or visit www.ocala.com, scroll down and click on EVENTS CALENDAR on the right.</i></p>